Bank note processing machine and method for operating bank note processing machine

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a bank note processing machine and a method for operating said bank note machine.  
     Bank note processing machines usually have microprocessors or similar program-controlled parts today. Software is required to a considerable extent for operation, i.e. for program control. The updating of said software during operation is sometimes very elaborate.  
     The present invention is based on the idea of providing an interface for the bank note processing machine which allows the coupling of a plurality of different memory systems in order to update the software.

[0001] This invention relates to a bank note processing machine and amethod for operating said bank note machine.

[0002] Bank note processing machines usually have microprocessors orsimilar program-controlled parts today. Software is required to aconsiderable extent for operation, i.e. for program control. Thesoftware controls all elements of the bank note machine as well as itsfunctions such as transport system, sensor system, etc. In addition, allparameters and data of the bank notes to be processed are stored in theform of software, in particular characteristic features of the banknotes which are evaluated by means of the sensor system e.g. forchecking authenticity.

[0003] In order to keep the software used in the bank note processingmachine up to date, different procedures have become known.

[0004] For example, in a known procedure it is provided that thesoftware is stored in memory chips such as EPROMs (electricallyprogrammable read only memory) or EEPROMs (electrically erasable andprogrammable read only memory) and the thus prepared memory chipsdistributed to the users of the bank note processing machines. The usersreplace the memory chips originally present in the bank note processingmachines by the thus prepared memory chips, thereby making the newsoftware available.

[0005] In another known form of realization, it is provided that astorage medium in the form of a flash card is used. Flash cards have theadvantage over the above-described memory chips of being very easy tohandle. The flash card need only be plugged into a specially providedplug strip of the bank note processing machine to make the new softwarestored in the flash card available to the bank note processing machine.

[0006] A bank note processing machine with the possibility of using newsoftware by means of flash card is known for example from U.S. Pat. No.5,909,502. The stated document proposes two different embodiments. Inthe first embodiment it is provided that the new software stored in theflash card is transferred to a memory of the bank note processingmachine and stored lastingly therein. The flash card can then be removedfrom the bank note processing machine. In a second embodiment it isprovided that the bank note processing machine is operated by means ofthe software stored in the flash card as long as the flash card isconnected with the bank note processing machine. After removal of theflash card the bank note processing machine is operated with thesoftware originally stored in the memory of the bank note processingmachine.

[0007] However, known bank note processing machines show thedisadvantage that they are inflexible with respect to the storage mediumavailable for updating the software since the use of a certain storagemedium is required. It is thus not possible to adapt the storage mediumused to the particular needs at hand.

[0008] The problem of the present invention is therefore to state a banknote processing machine and method for operating said bank noteprocessing machine by which any memory systems are available forupdating, altering or replacing software so as to permit the use of amemory system especially suitable for the particular case ofapplication.

[0009] This problem is solved by the features of the independent claims.

[0010] The basic idea is to provide an interface for the bank noteprocessing machine which allows a plurality of different memory systemsto be coupled.

[0011] The use of an interface thus makes it possible to select from aplurality of memory systems the one most suitable for the application.Criteria for selecting the most suitable memory system may be memoryvolume, size, robustness, price, etc.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment the interface provided is astandardized interface, in particular a PCMCIA interface. Suchstandardized interfaces show the advantage that a plurality of memorysystems are already available on the market which can immediately beused without any further adaptation for updating, replacing or alteringthe software of the bank note processing machine.

[0013] In another advantageous embodiment, the memory system has amagnetic or optical storage medium, in particular with a magnetic oroptical recording medium having high writing density. This makes itpossible to fall back on inexpensive recording media suitable forrecording masses of data. When the software is to be altered, arecording medium on which the new software is stored need thus only bemade available. The recording medium originally used can also be reusedfor this purpose. One need merely store the new software on the originalrecording medium.

[0014] Further advantages of the invention can be found in the dependentclaims and the following description of examples with reference tofigures, in which:

[0015]FIG. 1 shows an example of a bank note processing machine with aninterface for coupling memory systems, and

[0016]FIG. 2 shows an example of a memory system according to FIG. 1.

[0017] The figures show only the elements of bank note processingmachines which are relevant in connection with the present invention.Elements of the same kind that are shown in different figures have thesame reference signs.

[0018]FIG. 1 shows an example of a bank note processing machine withinterface 1 for coupling memory system 2. The bank note processingmachine has in addition control device 3, for example a microprocessor,with associated memory 4, 4 a. Controller 3 evaluates the signals of allelements of the bank note processing machine, such as from sensors 5,transport system 6 and input/output device 7, and controls all elementsof the bank note processing machine.

[0019] For controlling the bank note processing machine, memory 4, 4 ahas nonvolatile memory 4 in which software is stored. Nonvolatile memory4 is for example an EEPROM, flash or hard-disk memory. For execution ofthe software by controller 3, memory 4, 4 a has volatile memory 4 a, forexample a RAM. The software stored in nonvolatile memory 4 contains forexample elements for operating the bank note processing machine,elements for assessing and evaluating the data detected by sensors 5,such as characteristic features of the bank notes being processed, andelements for execution control, in particular for controlling transportsystem 6 and input/output device 7. In addition one can store in memory4, 4 a data which are obtained during the processing of bank notes, forexample the total value of processed bank notes, the number of certaindenominations of processed bank notes, the association of processed banknotes with certain currencies, etc.

[0020] Transport system 6 consists for example of a unit for singlingbank notes, a transport unit which transports the single bank notesalong sensors 5 to supply them to one or more stacking units inaccordance with the evaluation of the data of sensors 5 by controller 3.

[0021] Input/output device 7 includes a keyboard and a display and/or aprinter to permit a user to operate the bank note processing machine.

[0022] Interface 1 for coupling memory system 2 is generally a bus forexchanging data between memory system 2 and memory 4, 4 a or controller3 of the bank note processing machine. Interface 1 is monitored bycontroller 3 for the presence of memory system 2. If memory system 2 iscoupled to the interface, the data or software stored in memory system 2can be read out under the control of controller 3. Interface 1 can haveany design, being constructed for example in contacting fashion or incontactless fashion, e.g. by means of an infrared link. It is especiallyadvantageous to use an interface according to the PCMCIA standard sincea plurality of memory systems are available for such interfaces and canbe used without further adaptation.

[0023] For further processing of the software or data from memory system2 it is possible to load the data or software directly into volatilememory 4 a in order to execute the software stored in memory system 2.In this case the data or software stored in nonvolatile memory 4 remainsunchanged after separation of memory system 2 from interface 1.

[0024] It is likewise possible to transfer the data or software storedin memory system 2 into nonvolatile memory 4 under the control ofcontroller 3 and store it where the previous data or software isoverwritten. After separation of the memory system from interface 1 thedata or software stored in memory system 2 is then available in the banknote processing machine.

[0025] Alternatively, it can be provided that not all of the data orsoftware in nonvolatile memory 4 is replaced by data or software storedin memory system 2. In this case only certain elements of the data orsoftware of nonvolatile memory 4 are replaced by data or software ofmemory system 2. For example one can replace only the software or partsthereof required for operating or controlling the transport system. Itis likewise possible to alter or replace only the characteristic data ofcertain bank notes to be processed.

[0026]FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of memory system 2 shown in FIG. 1.Memory system 2 consists of drive 2 b that can be coupled to the banknote processing machine via interface 1, and associated storage medium 2a. A particular suitable memory system 2 is e.g. one for optical and/ormagnetic recording, for example the memory system sold by Iomega underthe name of Click Drive that consists of a drive and magnetic storagemedia. In this case it is possible to update the data or software at lowexpenditure since inexpensive storage media 2 a need only be newlycreated and elaborate drive 2 b can be reused. To further lower theexpenditure, one can also reuse storage media 2 a if they arerewritable. Memory system 2 can also be disposed at a place remote fromthe bank note processing machine. Memory system 2 is then coupled withinterface 1 via a data link. As a data link one can use a commonly knownwire-bound one (e.g. LAN, Internet) or a wireless one (e.g. GSM).

[0027] The use of specially prepared memory systems 2 or storage media 2a makes it possible to realize special operating modes in simple fashionwithout having to alter the original setting or operating mode.

[0028] A special operating mode may be a mode for testing the bank noteprocessing machine. The complete software for performing the test modeis stored in this case in memory system 2 or storage medium 2 a, allnecessary defaults and data and parameter settings required for the testmode also being stored. After coupling of memory system 2 to interface1, or after insertion of storage medium 2 a into drive 2 b, the testingof the bank note processing machine is performed automatically. Dataobtained during the test and providing information about the conditionof the bank note processing machine can be stored for later evaluationin memory system 2 or storage medium 2 a. After uncoupling of memorysystem 2 or removal of storage medium 2 a, the bank note processingmachine continues working in the mode that was set before testing and isstored in nonvolatile memory 4.

[0029] For test purposes it may also be provided that data obtainedduring the processing of bank notes in the bank note processing machineare stored in memory system 2 or storage medium 2 a in order for them tobe accessible for a later check. For example, the data of sensors 5 canbe stored. For this purpose, sample bank notes are processed in the banknote processing machine, for example, and the data thereby obtained fromsensors 5 stored in memory system 2 or storage medium 2. The data storedin memory system 2 or storage medium 2 a can then be evaluated at anyplace by a service organization in order to check the correct working ofthe sensors. If deviations are determined, it is possible for theservice organization to create parameters for the setting of sensors 5and store them in memory system 2 or storage medium 2 a which is coupledto the bank note processing machine again in order to transfer intononvolatile memory 4 the altered parameters for the setting of sensors 5performed by the service organization. The advantage of the describedprocedure is that the bank note processing machine can be servicedwithout a need for service personnel on site. Another advantage is thatnormal operation of the bank note processing machine can be continuedexcept for a short interruption, since no elaborate settings for thetest mode are required.

[0030] Another operating mode may be a user-specific mode. Certaindefaults for a user are set and stored in memory system 2 or storagemedium 2 a. Such defaults may for example define a sorting process orthe processing of certain denominations or currencies. For this purposeeither the entire software with all settings, parameters, data, etc., isstored in memory system 2 or storage medium 2 a, or only the requiredsettings, parameters, data, etc., are stored. In the first case, afterthe coupling of memory system 2 or the insertion of storage medium 2 ainto the drive the control of the bank note processing machine bycontrol device 3 takes place completely by means of the software,settings, parameters, data, etc., as stored in memory system 2 orstorage medium 2 a. In the second case the software stored innonvolatile memory 4 is used and the settings, parameters, data, etc.,required for the mode are read out from memory system 2 under thecontrol of control device 3 in order to put the bank note processingmachine in the desired mode.

[0031] During operation of the bank note processing machine in a modegiven by means of memory system 2 or storage medium 2 a, e.g. for acertain user, all data obtained during processing of bank notes can bestored in memory system 2 or storage medium 2 a for later evaluation.For example, statements about the total number of processed bank notes,the number of bank notes of a certain denomination, the currency, etc.,can be stored. Further information about the processed bank notes, e.g.authenticity, condition, etc., can likewise be stored. The data fromprocessing can also be stored separately for partial amounts of theprocessed bank notes, for example in the form of so-called deposits;i.e. certain amounts of bank notes coming from certain customers areassigned to this certain customer and stored accordingly.

[0032] Memory system 2 or storage medium 2 a can also be used only forstoring the entire accounting data. For operation of the bank noteprocessing machine one uses in this case the software, data, etc.,stored in nonvolatile memory 4.

[0033] Furthermore, a plurality of memory systems 2 or storage media 2 acan be used for storing the accounting data of individual customers ordeposits. They can be transported and processed together with the banknotes for further processing of the latter. One memory system 2 orstorage medium 2 a is used per customer or deposit in this case.

[0034] It can likewise be provided that the software and/or data arestored in memory system 2 or storage medium 2 a in encoded form. Theencoded software and/or data are then transferred to the bank noteprocessing machine via interface 1, as described above. The encodedsoftware and/or data might then be stored in nonvolatile memory 4, 4 ain encoded form and decoded by control device 3 for operation.Corresponding decoding software is stored in nonvolatile memory 4 forthis purpose.

[0035] It is likewise possible for the encoded software and/or data tobe decoded by control device 3 as soon as they have been transferred viainterface 1. The decoded software and/or data are then stored innonvolatile memory 4, 4 a.

1. A bank note processing machine having the following elements: sensors(5), a transport system (6), an input/output device (7), and a controldevice (3) with an associated memory (4, 4 a) which controls theelements of the bank note processing machine by means of software and/ordata stored in the memory (4, 4 a), characterized in that the bank noteprocessing machine has an interface (1) which makes it possible tocouple memory systems (2) of different kinds to the bank note processingmachine in order to alter, supplement or replace the software and/ordata stored in the memory (4, 4 a).
 2. A bank note processing machineaccording to claim 1, characterized in that the interface (1) is astandardized interface, in particular according to PCMCIA.
 3. A banknote processing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in thatthe memory system (2) has a drive (2 b) and a storage medium (2 a) whichare suitable in particular for optical and/or magnetic recording.
 4. Abank note processing machine according to any of claims 1 to 3,characterized in that the memory (4, 4 a) has a nonvolatile area (4),and after coupling of the memory system (2) to the interface (1) thesoftware and/or data stored in the memory system (2) are stored in thenonvolatile area (4).
 5. A bank note processing machine according to anyof claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the memory (4, 4 a) has avolatile area (4 a), and after coupling of the memory system (2) to theinterface (1) the software and/or data stored in the memory system (2)are stored in the volatile area (4 a).
 6. A bank note processing machineaccording to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that data obtainedin the bank note processing machine during operation are stored in thememory system (2).
 7. A bank note processing machine according to any ofclaims 1 to 6, characterized in that the software and/or data stored inthe memory system (2) are stored in encoded form, and the controller (3)is set up to decode the encoded software and/or data.
 8. A method foroperating a bank note processing machine whose elements and functionsare controlled by means of data and/or software stored in the bank noteprocessing machine, characterized in that the data and software can bealtered, supplemented or replaced via a universal data link which allowsthe connection of a plurality of different memory systems.
 9. A methodfor operating a bank note processing machine according to claim 8,characterized in that the data and/or software of the memory system arelastingly stored in the bank note processing machine upon connection ofa memory system.
 10. A method for operating a bank note processingmachine according to claim 8, characterized in that the data and/orsoftware of the memory system are used for controlling the bank noteprocessing machine for the duration of connection of a memory system.11. A method for operating a bank note processing machine according toclaim 10, characterized in that the data and/or software of the memorysystem control a test mode for the bank note processing machine.
 12. Amethod for operating a bank note processing machine according to any ofclaims 8 to 10, characterized in that the data and/or software of thememory system control a user-specific mode for the bank note processingmachine.
 13. A method for operating a bank note processing machineaccording to any of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that data obtainedin the bank note processing machine during operation are stored in thememory system.
 14. A method for operating a bank note processing machineaccording to any of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the softwareand/or data stored in the memory system are stored in encoded form, andthe controller (3) decodes the encoded software and/or data.